Winter’s chill brings nothing like the warmth of Panera’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. The smell of simmering broth, tender chicken, and veggies takes you to a cozy kitchen, where a nourishing meal awaits. This soup is more than food; it’s a hug of homestyle goodness.
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The Legacy Behind Panera’s Signature Soup
Panera Bread, founded in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread Company, began as a local bakery focusing on fresh-baked bread. Today, it’s a well-known brand nationwide, famous for soups like Homestyle Chicken Noodle.
From St. Louis Bread Company to National Fame
In 1993, the St. Louis Bread Company was bought by Au Bon Pain Company for $23 million. At the time, it had 20 locations. By 1998, it changed its name to Panera Bread, showing its growth. Today, Panera has over 2,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Evolution of the Recipe
Even with growth, Panera stayed true to its roots. Its sourdough recipe has remained the same since 1987. This dedication to quality and tradition has won the hearts of many customers.
Brand Recognition and Customer Trust
Panera’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is known for its comfort and quality. The brand uses clean ingredients without artificial additives, making it a trusted name in fast-casual dining.
“Panera has become a beloved brand, thanks to its unwavering dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a shining example of the brand’s commitment to tradition and innovation.”
What Makes Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Special
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is unique because of its top-notch Panera soup ingredients. It has tender chicken, curly egg noodles, and fresh veggies. The mix of herbs and spices gives it a homemade-style soup taste that people love.
The soup has 180 calories per serving, making it a light meal. With 14 grams of protein, it helps keep you feeling full. With 19 grams of carbs, it’s a balanced choice for those watching their diet.
Customers love the soup’s fresh, homestyle taste. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go. Some wish it had less sodium and more significant portions.
“Panera’s chicken noodle soup is a comforting, delicious option that hits the spot on a chilly day. The ingredients are high-quality, and the flavor is spot-on.”
The soup is quick to make—under 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for a soothing, satisfying meal. Its rich broth and lean chicken make it nutritious.
Essential Ingredients and Preparation Methods
Panera’s chicken noodle soup recipe is a classic comfort food. It shows the brand’s dedication to quality and authenticity. The soup’s heart is made with premium-grade ingredients that make it unique.
Premium Quality Components
Panera uses the best chicken breasts, cooked to perfection. The egg noodles add a great texture. Fresh carrots, celery, and onions bring flavor and color to the soup.
Traditional Cooking Techniques
The soup starts by sautéing the vegetables to bring out their sweetness. Then, the broth is simmered with herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme. The noodles are cooked just right to be al dente.
Seasoning and Flavor Profile
The seasoning in Panera’s soup makes it stand out. Its savory, comforting taste and the right mix of salt, pepper, and herbs make it a classic comfort food.
“The attention to detail in Panera’s chicken noodle soup truly sets it apart. From the premium ingredients to the thoughtful preparation, every spoonful is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality.”
Nutritional Benefits and Health Value
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is both comforting and healthy. It has only 180 calories per serving, making it a light yet satisfying meal.
It also has 14 grams of protein. This helps you stay full and energized all day.
The soup is packed with ingredients that boost your immune system. Chicken, vegetables, and herbs can help when you feel under the weather. Plus, it’s low in saturated fat, making it suitable for your heart.
However, it does have 1560mg of sodium per serving. Still, it can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in moderation. If you’re watching your sodium, try it with a low-sodium side or adjust your sodium intake.
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is a nutritious choice for a healthy soup. It balances protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it on its own or as part of a meal for a delicious and beneficial choice.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is great in many ways. Serving it in a bread bowl adds comfort and convenience. The bread’s crusty outside meets the warm broth, making it a tasty and pretty dish.
Bread Bowl Options
- Classic Panera bread bowls make for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Customers can also pour their Panera soup into a sourdough or multigrain bread bowl for added flavor and texture.
- The bread bowl is a container and a delicious accompaniment, allowing diners to savor every last drop of Panera soup.
Complementary Side Dishes
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is good with many sides. Try it with a fresh salad or Panera’s baked goods, such as a buttery croissant or crusty baguette.
Seasonal Pairing Recommendations
Panera changes its soup offerings with the seasons. In warm months, pair the soup with a fruit cup or a vegetable medley. As it gets colder, try a warm bread bowl or roasted root vegetables for a cozy meal.
Panera’s chicken noodle soup serves as a perfect base for limitless flavor variations and creative serving ideas. The possibilities are endless when creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal with this beloved menu item.”
Homemade Panera Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Do you love Panera’s chicken noodle soup? You can make it at home with this easy recipe. It has tender chicken, fresh veggies, and homemade noodles. This soup is sure to warm both your heart and your taste buds.
This recipe serves eight people. Each serving has 180 calories, 27g carbs, 9g protein, and 5g fat. It’s a healthy and tasty meal for a cozy night or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Two carrots, peeled and sliced
- Two celery stalks, sliced
- One onion, diced
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the homemade egg noodles, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Two eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the chicken broth until it begins to simmer. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Remove the chicken and shred or dice it.
- In the same pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the carrots, celery, and onion for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the flour, eggs, salt, and water in a medium bowl to make the egg noodles. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Roll the dough out to 1/8-inch thickness and cut it into 1-inch-wide strips.
- Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Panera chicken noodle soup recipe and savor the comforting, restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home. This homemade soup is sure to become a new family favorite!
Tips for Storage and Reheating
Enjoying Panera’s chicken noodle soup doesn’t have to end after one meal. With the proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy it again and again. Here’s how to keep your soup fresh and flavorful.
Proper Storage Methods
Store your Panera chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. This keeps your soup at its best.
Best Reheating Practices
To reheat your chicken noodle soup, use the stovetop. Warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally so the noodles stay right.
Freezing Guidelines
- Homemade chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Then, put it in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight, freezer-safe containers.
- To get the best results, slightly undercook the noodles before freezing. This prevents them from getting too soft when reheated.
Following these tips, you can repeatedly enjoy Panera’s chicken noodle soup.
Comparing Restaurant vs. Store-Bought Versions
Customers can choose between Panera Bread’s Chicken Noodle Soup, made fresh in the restaurant, or the pre-packaged version in stores. Both aim to bring the signature Panera flavor, but some differences exist.
The restaurant’s soup is known for its quality. It has tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich broth. People say it tastes better and has a thicker texture. Dining at Panera also lets you enjoy the whole café experience, like getting a bread bowl or other menu items.
The store-bought version tries to match the restaurant taste but in a convenient, ready-to-heat package. It may not be as fresh as the café version, but it aims to bring the Panera taste home. This option is excellent for enjoying the soup at home, with easy preparation and storage.
FAQ
What makes Panera’s chicken noodle soup so unique?
Panera’s chicken noodle soup is unique because of its premium ingredients. It has tender chicken, curly egg noodles, and fresh veggies. The herbs and spices add a homestyle flavor that customers love.
What are the critical ingredients in Panera’s chicken noodle soup?
The soup’s ingredients are top-notch. It includes chicken breast, egg noodles, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs like parsley and thyme.
What are the health benefits of Panera’s chicken noodle soup?
This soup is low in calories (180 per serving) and high in protein (14g). It’s a light yet satisfying meal. The ingredients also boost your immune system and help with colds or digestive issues.
How can you enjoy Panera’s chicken noodle soup?
You can enjoy it in a bread bowl for extra comfort, pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal, or serve it with the Cobb Salad with Peas and Bacon.
Can you make a homemade version of Panera’s chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can make a copycat version. It includes chicken breast, low-sodium broth, egg noodles, and veggies. You can also add herbs like thyme and parsley. This way, you can adjust the ingredients and sodium levels to your liking.
How should you store and reheat Panera’s chicken noodle soup?
You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop to keep the noodles and veggies tender. You can freeze it, but slightly undercook the noodles first to avoid sentimentality.
What are the differences between Panera’s restaurant and store-bought chicken noodle soup?
Panera’s store-bought soup is similar to the café version but might differ slightly. The store-bought version tries to match the café’s flavor but might vary in texture or freshness.